Natick Labs research wows kids

Margaret Sparicio, participating in a science camp at Natick Soldier Systems Center, was one of dozens of people who toured the exhibits as part of the Research, Development and Engineering Center’s "Science for the Soldier Day."

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Posted Jul. 27, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 27, 2012 at 11:05 PM

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Posted Jul. 27, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 27, 2012 at 11:05 PM

NATICK

» Social News

Margaret Sparicio’s eyes lit up with excitement as she surveyed the room filled with displays of the latest research by scientists at Natick Solider Systems Center.

Sparicio, who was participating in a science camp at the military base, was one of dozens of people who toured the exhibits as part of Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center’s "Science for the Soldier Day."

The event resembled a school science fair, except these exhibits detailed new research into harvesting electricity and storing energy in a soldier’s uniform, ensuring food is safe for soldiers to eat and studying the impact of parachutist’s gear and parachute fabric, among other projects with civilian and military applications.

"The idea was to have a fun, interesting way for people to come see what our scientists have been working on," said Chief Scientist Lynne Samuelson, a Marlborough resident.

Most attendees were from within the base, although students from two summer science programs and representatives from outside organizations that work with the center also came.

"It’s a lot of fun and something different for us to reach a wider audience," said Holliston resident Phil Gibson, a material scientist.

Gibson presented research on about how air flows through fabric in an effort to develop better parachutes. Nearby, mechanical engineer Andy Margules used a life-size model of a solider free falling through the air to show how he uses infrared cameras to develop computerized images of a soldier falling. Those are then used to determine the best way for them to carry equipment when they dive.

Anthropologist Brian Corner is working on accurately modeling human body shapes on a computer to produce physical models that can be used to test explosion protection equipment, or in the civilian world, automobiles.

"We can test in an environment without putting humans in harm's way and collect better data," Corner said.

Other researchers were developing ways to use fibers and graphene (a form of carbon) to detect unsafe food.

Natick’s Dawn Nida, who is working on the graphene research, said soldiers need quick ways to identify unsafe food particularly while abroad.

"I think this is a really great idea," Nida said of the event. "I like it because it gives a chance for everyone to see what we do."

(Brian Benson can be reached at 508-634-7582 or bbenson@wickedlocal.com)